MGV’s New Demonstration Garden Article #2 – Let’s talk about drip irrigation.

 

MGV’s New Demonstration Garden Article #2   – Let’s talk about drip irrigation.

It’s been just over a month since the Clermont County Master Gardener Volunteers (MGV) planted the new demonstration vegetable garden and we’re excited to see how much it has grown. As we check in on the progress, we also want to share more about how we care for this garden every day.

The garden is maintained daily by the MGV’s volunteering on a rotating basis from May through October. This rotating schedule is a key part of the garden’s routine maintenance. One person manages the watering, weeding, harvesting, pest management, journaling and other general maintenance needs for three consecutive days.  Then it is passed to the next volunteer to perform the same duties.

 

 

Drip Irrigation: The newest addition

This year, we’ve introduced drip irrigation—a new way to keep the garden watered efficiently and sustainably — and it is already making a big difference.

Setting up drip irrigation for a new garden starts with a simple layout plan. First, decide where your planting rows, raised beds, or containers will be. Then, run a main water supply line (usually a ½” poly tubing) along the garden’s edge or center. From that main line, smaller ¼” tubing—called emitters or drip lines—is run to each plant or bed. Emitters can be spaced out to match plant locations, delivering water slowly and directly to the roots.

 

A pressure regulator and filter are typically added to prevent clogging and ensure a steady flow of water. For the demonstration garden, we connect the system to a standard spigot and manually turn it on as part of our daily routine.

While some systems include a timer, ours operates without one, and watering is managed by volunteers. This manual approach comes with benefits, such flexibility to adapt watering times to weather patterns or specific plant needs.  It also offers a consistent approach to watering and allows the MGVs the opportunity to get to learn and know the system.

 

Benefits of drip irrigation

Water Efficiency
Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the base of each plant, right where it’s needed most—at the roots. This targeted method drastically reduces water waste due to evaporation or runoff. Compared to traditional hose or sprinkler methods, it can use 30–60% less water, making it a smart choice for regions facing drought or water-use restrictions.

Healthier Plants
Because drip irrigation provides a consistent level of moisture to the soil, plants experience less stress from overwatering or drying out. The steady hydration promotes strong root systems and even growth. Plus, because water isn’t splashed on the leaves, it helps prevent common problems like mildew, blight, and other fungal diseases.

Weed Control
One unexpected bonus of drip irrigation is that it helps control weeds. Since water is only applied near your desired plants, the surrounding soil stays relatively dry, making it harder for weeds to sprout and thrive. Less weeding means more time to enjoy the garden!

Time-Saving
Although it takes a little effort to set up initially, drip irrigation saves a lot of time in the long run. With the system in place, watering becomes a quick and simple task. For those with access to a timer, the system can even be automated, freeing up more time for other garden tasks—or for just relaxing and enjoying the harvest.

Improved Soil Structure
Drip irrigation promotes better soil health by slowly and evenly distributing water. This gentle watering prevents soil erosion and keeps nutrients from being washed away. In raised beds especially, it helps maintain the ideal balance of moisture without compacting the soil.

Adaptable and Scalable
Drip irrigation systems are highly flexible. Whether you’re watering rows of vegetables, raised beds, or potted plants, the tubing and emitters can be easily arranged to fit your layout. And as your garden grows, the system can grow with it—simply add more lines or connectors as needed.

Low Maintenance
Once installed, drip irrigation is relatively low-maintenance. The main tasks include checking for clogs, occasionally flushing the lines, and replacing worn-out parts as needed. With minimal effort, the system continues to deliver water efficiently all season long.

Environmentally Friendly
By reducing waste and directing water exactly where it’s needed, drip irrigation supports sustainable gardening practices. It helps reduce runoff into storm drains and protects local ecosystems while helping your garden flourish with less environmental impact.

 

We love to have people stop by! The garden grows best when it is shared. If you are ever near the Clermont County Fairgrounds and see someone working in the garden, feel free to stop, ask questions, and check out the space. Or if you need inspiration for your own raised bed drip irrigation system, the garden is always open and available to the public.

 

 

 

 

Article 1 & 2 submitted by Heather Thompson, Clermont County MGV

Fair Pass Order Forms

Fair pass order forms are due to the Extension Office by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 3rd.

You may drop off order forms in person to OSUE or scan/email to mitchell.2642@osu.edu

Head Advisors must complete the fair pass order form and attach their club roster, with the names of club members and adult volunteers who are eligible for a fair pass. Please mark out the names of any individuals who have not met the minimum requirements. Once your roster is confirmed, the Clermont County Ag Society (aka Senior Fair Board) will prepare your passes.

You will be notified when they are ready for pick up at the Senior Fair Board office. Fair passes must be picked up by an adult advisor, not a youth. Payment will be due at the time of pass pick-up. Please make checks payable to the “Clermont County Ag Society.”

Fair Pass Order Form

2025 Clermont County Royalty Applications Now Open

Clermont County Junior Fair Royalty Applications are now open!!!!

Please fill out this application in order to be considered for the 2025 Clermont County Royalty. (Only ONE application is needed, even if applying for more than one position.)

Applications are due no later than Friday, June 13, 2025.

Interviews will take place Sunday, July 13, 2025. All Applicants are required to ride in the parade on Sunday, July 20, 2025.

Click here for Royalty Application 

If you have any questions please contact:
Stacey Sandfoss 614-961-8094
Faith Stegbauer 513-295-3869
Cindy Stegbauer 513-255-7265

2025 4-H Market Chicken Pick Up!!!

Market Chicken Pick-up is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21st, from 3:00pm-6:00pm in the 4-H Hall Kitchen, located on the Clermont County Fairgrounds.

Make sure you bring a box with a lid to transport your chickens and have food and water at home to feed them.

Please contact the Junior Fair board with questions. Christine Fetters at christinemfetters@gmail.com or 513-543-4366 with questions.

2025 Clermont County Royalty Informational Meeting

👑Do you know a 4-H or FFA member Interested in applying for a 2025 Clermont County Junior Fair Royalty position? 👑

Did they miss the first meeting? If so, then they need to attend the next informational meeting being held in the Holman Arena (on the Clermont County Fairgrounds) on May 4th at 3:30pm.

2025 Clermont County Royalty Informational Meeting

Anyone interested in applying for The 2025 Clermont County Fair Royalty MUST attend!!!

Date:  Saturday, April 26th, 2025

Time: 11:15am- 12:15pm (This will take place between the two QA Session)

Location:  Clermont County 4-H Hall (on the fairgrounds, 1000 Locust Street, Owensville, Ohio 45160)

Registration Extended for Southwest Ohio Perennial School

No April Fools Joke!!!

🌱Registration has been extended until Friday, April 4th!!!!! 🌱

Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your gardening knowledge and connect with fellow enthusiasts! 🌿✨

📅 Date: April 10, 2025
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM (Doors open at 8:00 AM)
📍 Location: Clermont County Fairgrounds, 4-H Hall
1000 Locust Street, Owensville, Ohio 45160

💰 Cost: $50

You can find the registration form below:

Registration Form

Join us for a day of expert insights, gardening inspiration, and networking with fellow plant enthusiasts. Our lineup of speakers includes:

🌿 Carol Trosset (Hamilton County MGV & Author) – Cultivating Woodland Wildflowers
Discover the diverse wildflowers of southern Ohio’s forests and their role in the ecosystem. Dr. Trosset will share insights from her family’s woodland restoration project and discuss the impact of climate change on blooming cycles.

💧 Eugene Braig (OSU Program Director, Aquatic Ecosystems) – Ponds and Pond-Loving Plants
Explore wetland and aquatic species that thrive in and around ponds, their benefits, and invasive species to avoid.

🌸 Brian Grubb (Educator, University of Cincinnati) – Herbaceous Ornamentals at UC
Gain insights into the teaching and study of herbaceous ornamentals at UC, including student projects from the past three years.

🍇 Ryan Slaughter (OSU Extension Educator, Ross County) – Getting Started with Brambles
Learn how to grow blackberries and raspberries, covering site selection, soil preparation, planting, trellising, and pruning.

🌼 Jenny Stoneking (OSU Extension Educator, Adams County) – Year-Round Color with Perennials
Discover how to design a perennial garden that showcases vibrant color in every season, even in winter!

For more information, visit clermont.osu.edu or contact neal.331@osu.edu.

2025 Clermont County Pork Producers Scholarship

Calling all Clermont County 4-H and FFA Seniors!!

Are you currently in Clermont County 4-H or FFA showing market hogs?

Or have you shown swine in the past in Clermont County?

Do you have plans of attending college or trade school?

Clermont County Pork Producers are giving away a $500 Scholarship.

To apply fill out the application below and send it by mail or email by June 1st.

Clermont County Pork Producers Scholarship

Come Join Our Team!!!

OSU Extension Clermont County is looking for a Office Services Coordinator!
This individual will work with the 4-H, FCS, and ANR programs and be an integral part of our staff.

Visit HTTP://hr.osu.edu/careers and search for job #R123674 Office Services Coordinator 1 – Clermont County to view the complete position description and to apply.

The application period is open until March 25, 2025.